A kid book that can inspire all

[SpookyKatie]

I love to read to my kids at the daycare and one of my Favs is something all can be Inspired by, and that is, Dr. Seuss's "Oh, The Places You'll go!"

Two of my favorite line are,

"Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you. And when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew just go right along You'll start happening too."

Tell me that ain't great!
and this as well,

"You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know You'll get mix up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with great care and great tact and remember that Life's A Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And Never mix up your right foot with your left."

And this is coming from a guy who never really like kids.

Other than that this is a great book to read to your kids, or even for yourself.

Just had to say something!

So what ya think? Any kid books that moved you like this one moved me?

[Ariel]

Some childrens books are just wonderful. Off the top of my head I can't come up with a darn thing at the moment.

[jandy]

My favorite book of all (if I'm only allowed one fiction book the rest of my life) is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It's one I read to my kids and hope to read to my granddaughter (and other grandkids if I ever have any more) when she's old enough. Of course by then she'll have seen the movie so many times she may not appreciate the book as much.

Another good one that is waiting on my shelf for her to grow older is The Velveteen Rabbit. Who can't appreciate being loved so much it makes you real?

[Ariel]

Awww, I remember the "Velveteen Rabbit."

[Dragonfleet]

Rikki-tikki-tavi was one of my favourite kid's stories. Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe are also favourites. There's bucket loads of stories which I liked, many of which kindled my interest in writing. :) Swiss Family Robinson, The Berenstain Bears, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Magic Pudding, Narnia, Pinocchio and so on. There are also a lot of stories I've never even heard of! :( If I ever have children of my own I'll definately read them some of the works I was fortunate to have read when I was young.

[Qray]

Rikki-tikki-tavi was one of my favourite kid's stories...

I loved Rikki-tikki-tavi. LOL, so much so that in one of my first "cyber-punk" type of short stories I wrote, the main character was named after Rikki Tikki Tavi and had a mongoose avatar.

I think I've mention this book before. It might've been at the black and green SV as I can't find the post here.

Katherine Paterson's book Bridge To Terabithia.

I was given the book by my fifth grade teacher and it can be directly blamed for my love of the written word and enjoyment for reading. So when I used to blow off class in High School to just sit in the library and read...IT'S ALL HER FAULT! ;-])

It's not a "children's book" along the lines of the Berenstein Bears or Doctor Suess. It's a more adult book for kids. I would suggest it for someone in the fifth grade or older. It deals with imagination, friendship, and how to deal with a great loss. It's very well written and an enthralling read. If anyone is thinking of having their children read it, you should probably read it first in case they have questions about the "great loss" in the story. I hesitate to say more as it may ruin the story if I say what it is.

From Katherine Paterson's Web Site...
"Jess Aarons had to be the Fastest runner at Lark Creek Elementary School, the best, but when he was challenged by Leslie Burke, a girl, that was just the beginning of a new season in Jess's life. Leslie and her parents were new comers to the rural community where Jess Lived, and were thought to be a bit odd, for they didn't even own a TV, though their house was filled with books. Some-what to Jess's surprise, he and Leslie became friends, and the worlds of imagination and learning that she opened to him changed him for ever. It was Leslie's idea to create Terabithia, their secret Kingdom in the woods where they reigned supreme. There no enemy - not their teacher Monster Mouth Meyers, their schoolmates Gary Fulcher and Janice Avery, Jess's Four sisters, or even Jess's own fears and Leslie's imaginary foes - could defeat them. The Legacy that Leslie finally brought to Jess enabled him to cope with the unexpected tragedy that touched them all."

Highlight the following text for a very good review by Amy Finley. Warning - review contains a major plot spoiler...

Simple and powerful language, vividly realistic characters, and convincing plot twists keep the reader involved. The black-and-white drawings are a bit dated, but several nicely capture the story's mood. Parents should know that a major character dies -- a discussion on loss might be helpful.

Here is a book that says what kids already know--it's not always easy to grow up--but says it well. Jesse's life can be a struggle--especially with four sisters and a need to hide his passion for drawing. But author Katherine Paterson gives voice to his fears and hopes without imposing judgment or commentary.

Readers will find much common ground with the protagonists. Jesse, though often annoyed by his sisters, tries to be kind, and sympathizes with his overworked mother. Leslie, the only child of wealthy, intellectual parents who sometimes forgets she's a child, knows what it's like to be an outsider. Though the last part of the book deals with Leslie's death and its aftermath, this is ultimately the richly uplifting story of a boy and a girl who become friends despite their differences.

Among countless books about friendship and loss, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA stands out for the tender care the author lavishes on her main characters, and for the honest portrayal of Jesse's grief. As he comes to terms with Leslie's death, and the immense impact she has had on his life, Jess's struggle exemplifies a child's capacity for creating beauty from tragedy.

From The Book
We need a place, she said, "just for us. It would be so secret that we would never tell anyone in the whole world about it. ... It might be a whole secret country," she continued, "and you and I would be the rulers of it."

Together Jesse and his new neighbor Leslie can vanquish any foe that enters their imaginary kingdom of Terabithia--until Leslie's accidental death. This honest, unforgettably moving story of friendship and loss is a thought-provoking tribute to imagination and its ability to sustain a child through adversity.

[jandy]

A couple good fantasy books for older kids are The Phantom Tollbooth and The Secret of Platform 13. I had never heard of The Phantom Tollbooth until I was in my 30's, but I sure do recommend it now.

I finally read Bridge to Terebithia a couple years ago. I'd recommend it to older children (at least 5th grade like you, Q).

For younger kids, Green Eggs and Ham is my all time favorite.

[Qray]

I finally read Bridge to Terebithia a couple years ago. I'd recommend it to older children (at least 5th grade like you, Q).

I'd be interested to know what you thought of the book, jandy.

[SpookyKatie]

Another one I like to read to my kids is "Where The Sidewalk Ends" They just love those poems!
And also love "The Giving Tree" That was one of my favorites as a kid.

[SirJill]

*gasp*

Magic Pudding! Oh man, that and shoot, what was the one with the bear who always complained? No...it was a wombat. And Tabby and Mouse. I can't remember the name, but those were wonderful. That and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Good times.

One of my favorite children's authors of all time is E.L Kroiningsburg

And I think I spelled her last name right. She wrote 'The View From Saturday' and "The Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler" both excellent books.

There was a poem, too, but it was like a story. Does anyone know "The Glugs of Gosh" By C.J. Dennis? Amazing poem.